flatline trolling set-up

[Jersey John]

When you guys/gals troll flatlines how many do you have out at 1 time. I just built a stainless steel board using the cabelas pestal mount which will hold 5 rods, about 2 ft apart. Am I looking for trouble with 5 rods? I usually fish with 2 other people and we are allowed 6 total rods, but 5 beats 3. Let me know what you think. Thanks to all who answer. JJ

[MIke2]

The probem with running flatlines are that the father back they run, the more they converge. Also, make sure you don't turn. If you try running 5 rods 2 feet apart without boards, I bet you will only try it once. With boards, we run 6 easily, and we have been known to run 6 boards plus a couple of flatlines. For me, the boards almost always outproduce the flanlines anyway.

Mike

[Fin Addict]

If you set the outside rod holders almost straight out to the sides, 8-1/2' rods will give you over 20' between the two outside rigs. Run shallow baits on the outsides, deeper baits on the next holders in and a shallow bait down the middle. If you set the outside baits furthest back of the boat, then the deep baits a bit closer and the middle bait closer still, you will not tangle.

[Water Dog]

For us , planer boards are a better bet . HOWEVER , in tight quarters we will run multible flat lines with these rules :

Inline trolling weights on some short line deeper diving baits

Stagger the line lenghts to give baits space to work

The baits must be tight wigglers (example , jointed rapalas)

Good Luck !

[Denied]

JJ, I fish a 10 foot wide boat and only run two or three lines stright back at the most. To run more than that think about boards, either small inlines or big boards off a mast to give you the spread needed. I sometimes get tangles with three lines running about 5 feet apart so anything closer would be a major pain.
dean

[doesn't sound user friendly]

Even with a pair of flatlines I like to circle troll breaks or zig-zag to get the lures out of the boat path. I would think to run that many lines you'll have to use PBs, D-divers or homemade flatline skidders.

[Ray]

John,
It can be done with a little practice running five. Run one line each off the inlines on one side. Do the other side, then you can run three off the back in a ^ shape using three bobbers. Run the v-rod about 250 ft back and the other ones no more than 100-150 ft. If you get a fish on, someone will have to pull up one of the rods. It takes alittle practice, but dont do it on a rough day. Do it when its calm.

[snapper]

Snap down the centerline and outboard sides with two outboard longline flatlines. Be prepared to bring some nonfish lines in when Fish-On! Lots of extra work, but when the bite is slow ............

[JERSEY JOHN]

Thanks for the thoughts. I need to re-think this. I might try it 1 time on a slow night, boards seem the way to go. Thanks JJ